Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2014
534. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that communities remain at the heart of energy policy, particularly in respect of the forthcoming White Paper on energy policy and the renewable electricity policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44072/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the central themes in the Green Paper on Energy Policy was citizen empowerment. In September I launched the current phase of the consultation process on the Green Paper, which takes the form of a series of stakeholder seminars on the various priority areas. The four seminars held to date have covered the topics of infrastructure, empowering energy citizens, markets and regulation, and ensuring a balanced and secure energy policy. They were all well attended and feedback to my Department suggests that the seminars were well received by the attendees and instructive for my Department. Community groups were represented at all the seminars so far and will continue to be. The final two priority topic seminars will be completed by mid-December and three regional seminars are being arranged in the North-West, the Midlands and the South to facilitate wider public engagement with communities from those regions.
In addition, the second phase of public consultation on the Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework will commence shortly with the publication of a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment scoping document. Building on the 2012 Government Statement on Strategic Infrastructure, this phase of consultation will explicitly seek views on community engagement and benefit with a view to developing policy in this area. The Renewable Electricity and Development Framework is expected to be completed in 2015.
It is also important to note various community level initiatives supported by Government including the development of community energy through the Better Energy Areas and Communities Programme which is administered on my behalf by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The programme allows community and locally based organisations to apply for funding on a competitive basis to support sustainable energy upgrades to existing buildings and facilities. It also promotes the creation and development of locally based entities that can inspire and mobilise community resources to lower energy bills and boost local employment.
